WILLOW'S POVWaking up low spirited the next day, I sense a lingering unease which is very unusual. Given my actions the previous day with Luciano I shouldn't be feeling this way. The court proceedings about our marriage was enough reason for me to be happy and feel better, talk less of the incessant love making we made throughout the night. The room is cloaked in the soft hues of dawn, but my heart feels heavy. Contemplating the source of this disturbing feeling, a sudden buzz interrupts the stillness. It was from my phone which I pick up from my nightstand, checking what notification it was. It turned out to be a message, a text from an unfamiliar number. The message is chillingly concise: ‘I know your secret and it's out in the open. Watch out!’ Dread gripped me in a hard way as my mind races, searching for clues to the puzzle that has now intruded upon my morning."Is anything the problem?" Luciano asks behind me with sleepy eyes, his voice tinged with concern while piercing th

WILLOW’S POVThe next one week for me was terrible and frustrating. Enduring a week of turmoil, I faced the fallout from the live news exposing my contracted marriage with Luciano. Most of my friends neglected me, especially the important ones. They all felt betrayed by my words, all of them claiming that I lied about the basis of my relationship with my husband without the exception of my parents. But one thing that broke my heart was that I never told them it wasn’t a contracted marriage since none of them asked in the first place.Due to this, my routine turned to be that I would leave for work to do the most important things without talking to anyone and returning home to Luciano who was the only one who kept me company. Amidst the isolation, his unwavering support comforted me. From time to time, he made sure to let me know that he’s got my back. This went on for about three days consecutively.But his recent peculiar behaviour instilled a growing fear, shattering the fragile sta

LUCIANO'S POVImmediately Willow left, I entered my office completely, taking a look at Clara in the faceSha stared at me and I stared right back. We stare at each other for about two minutes, each of us trying to process our emotions with the other.Clara was my ex girlfriend, an embodiment of beauty whom I met on one of my work trips and taken a like to. She was very bold and active when it comes to work, one thing that made me fall for her. Asides that, she was irresistibly nice; or so I thought till we went out seperate ways.As soon as I tore my gaze away from her, I couldn't help but confront the question that hung in the air like an unspoken tension."Why are you here?" The words spilled out from my mouth, filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.Clara who was seemingly unfazed, responded with a casual shrug."Is that a question? Can't I just feel like visiting my man?" Her tone carried a nonchalance that contradicted the weight of our history together."Point of corre

LUCIANO'S POVNo matter how much I tried persuading Willow to speak up, she was taking everything in instead. All I said to her didn't make her show her anger no matter what. She kept everything in instead and it hurt me so much to see her that way. Normally, a woman in her shoes would have vented her anger but Willow didn't. Instead, she did her best to remain calm in my presence but I could see through her quite alright.Making matters worse, she said to go get together with Clara and my unknown son."What do you mean by being with Clara and her son? Saying I would take responsibility does not necessarily mean I would leave you for her.""Didn't you say you have feelings for Clara? Then it's fine. I'm setting you free. After all, we're bound by just one contract," Willow declared, her words carrying a mix of resignation and hurt. At this point, our marriage hadn't been formalized, but the emotional connection ran deep and I already regarded her as my only love and wife."I'm not doi

WILLOW'S POVAs the sun painted the morning sky, I awoke to find Luciano conspicuously absent from my side as usual. The lingering warmth of the previous night's shared moments clung to the my mind, an aftermath to the intimacy that had unfolded. His advances and touches had been soothing, momentarily erasing the grudges that had taken residence in my heart.Yet, amidst the tender memories, a subtle uncertainty nestled within my mind. The doubts about our relationship was still there, stubbornly refusing to be swept away by the intoxicating allure of the night. Despite the whole night's niceness, a quiet unease persisted, casting a shadow over the morning after.Following the doctor's advice, I was able to put the morning sickness that threatened to weaken me at bay and headed for work. That day, my spirit was kind of like and I didn't really feel like working but I had to. After making up with Luciano the previous day, we talked about so many things, ranging from Kenzo's current situ